My Story: Halima Ibrahim Kure

By Halima Ibrahim Kure

My Journey: From Curiosity to Impact

My journey into technology began long before I understood what cybersecurity was. Growing up in Nigeria, I was fascinated by how technology could solve problems, connect people, and create opportunities. What I did not know then was that this curiosity would eventually lead me across continents, into academia, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Unlike many people who enter cybersecurity through a clearly defined route, my path has been shaped by persistence, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace opportunities that initially felt far beyond my comfort zone. I moved to the United Kingdom to pursue my education, completing degrees in Software Engineering, Information Security, and later a PhD in Cyber Security and Risk Management at the University of East London.

As a Black woman in cybersecurity, I have often found myself in rooms where very few people looked like me. Rather than allowing that to discourage me, it strengthened my determination to succeed and to help create opportunities for others. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to demonstrating that leadership in technology is not limited by gender, ethnicity, or background.

Today, I am a Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security at the University of East London, where I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring the next generation of cyber professionals. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing students develop confidence in themselves and realise that they belong in this field. Education, for me, has never been simply about teaching technical skills; it is about empowering people to recognise their potential and equipping them to make meaningful contributions to society.

In recent years, I have expanded my work beyond academia into innovation and entrepreneurship. I founded AssetGuard+, an AI-powered cybersecurity and compliance platform developed through Innovate UK’s CyberASAP programme and recently selected for the MassChallenge UK Accelerator. This experience has allowed me to translate research into practical solutions that help organisations strengthen their cyber resilience while creating new opportunities for innovation.

Beyond my professional roles, I care deeply about supporting women in technology, particularly those who may not see themselves represented in leadership positions. I regularly engage in mentoring, public speaking, community initiatives, and outreach activities aimed at encouraging more women and young people to explore careers in cybersecurity and emerging technologies. I believe that the future of technology will be stronger, safer, and more innovative when it reflects the diversity of the society it serves.

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to make a positive difference. Whether through teaching, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, or mentoring, I am driven by the belief that technology should be used to create opportunities, solve meaningful problems, and improve lives.

Looking back, my journey has taught me that leadership is not simply about personal achievement. It is about lifting others as you climb, creating pathways where none previously existed, and using your knowledge and experience to help others realise their own potential.

I am proud of how far I have come, but I remain even more excited about the opportunities ahead, to continue innovating, mentoring, and contributing to a more inclusive and resilient technology ecosystem.

Thank you once again for this recognition and for the important work TechWomen4Boards is doing to support women leaders across technology and business.